Spec Check

MattHep

MattHep

MattHep

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Joined
25 Sep 2007
Posts
818
Location
Hertfordshire
I've decided to take the plunge and build a system hopefully more reliable than my current system which I have had nothing but problems with.

The system will be used for storage of music and pictures, including Photoshop and plenty of gaming including BF3

I have chosen a pre built overclocked i5 bundle for the hassle free installation. What are you thoughts on this?

I require:

CPU - As below
Motherboard - As below
Memory - As below
GFX - I want to stick with Nvidia, the GTX590 does like nice also but maybe a tad overkill
PSU - I currently have a Corsair HX620 modular PSU, will this have enough "oompf" to power the new system
HDD - I have a OCZ vortex 2E which I plan to re use but require more storage for music pictures etc
Case - I can re use my lian li A10B but I do like the look of the Corsair Graphite 600T
Monitor - I am re using my Dell 24" 1920x1200

PCSpec.jpg


So what are your thoughts with regards to the so far above spec, please offer some advice.

I have a budget of £1400

Thanks
 
Get one large 2TB HDD, it will cost less and will be fine for storage, something like a Samsung F4 ecogreen is good.
 
I have made some changes and included a 600T:)


Untitled-7.png


• Overclock it yourself, the motherboard has OCGenie so one push of a button gives 4.2GHz, or do it manually for higher.

• BF3 loves Vram so thats why there is a 2.5GB GTX570

• Save the £450 for ivybridge or other new stuff next year:)

I currently have a Corsair HX620 modular PSU, will this have enough "oompf" to power the new system
Click to expand...

Yes, any thoughts of SLI will need a better PSU.
 
Thanks stulid. I'll admit I'm not the most computer literate. I am confident I can put a PC together, its whether I have any problems on first boot I'm worried I don't no enough to find the source of the problem.
 
Usually the main issues people have are,

Not putting the extra 8pin ATX into the board and wondering why it don't boot up, Or the graphics card hasn't got its power cables fitted.

Plugging the monitor cable into the motherboard itself and not the graphics card.

Poor fitting of the heatsink (you have to do this anyway with the OC bundle) and worried about high temps.
 
Last edited:
gregster said:
I agree with Stulid....Maybe with your 1400 budget add another 570 card and a new psu.

OCZ ZX Series 1000W '80 Plus Gold' Modular Power Supply
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-053-OC

I know this goes over your budget but I would be tempted to do that.
Click to expand...

Oh don't tempt me. Would i not be best going for a GTX590 though?


Ok, your talking me into it. I never realised with the bundle I'd still have to fit the heatsink. I'm sure I'm capable of completing that task though.
 
MattHep said:
Stulid, can I ask why you specified that motherboard in you above post?
Click to expand...

Price,

Gen3, so when you fit a ivybridge CPU you get PCI-E3.0 for the next generation of cards.

MilitaryII range so has the better quality capacitors/chokes etc.
 
It is an improvement and your HX620 will still just bout be enough for a single card.

But is it £150 enough better? Im not convinced.
 
I'm not sure, just want the best system for my budget and making it as future proof as possible.

I've put together a couple of specs similar to whats been advised.

I don't mind using my lian li case as I still like it.

Intel Core i7-2600K 3.40GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor - 259.99

MSI Z68A-GD55-G3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard - 124.99

G.Skill RipJawsX 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit - 37.99 (This Week Only)

Gainward GeForce GTX 580 "Phantom" 3072MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card - 479.99

Antec Kúhler H2O 920 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler - 79.99

Samsung SpinPoint F4 EcoGreen 2TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - 79.99


Total 1062.94


Another Option

EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD 2560MB GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card x 2 - 659.98

OCZ ZX Series 1000W '80 Plus Gold' Modular Power Supply - 149.99


Total 1428.92
 
With all the new stuff due Xmas/Q1 next year, get the cheaper option and keep the cash for upgrades.
 
Had a look around and this is what I think I am going for,

Had a change of heart with the case also :)

Your thoughts?

PCSpec3.jpg
 
Last edited:
Oops wrong one, I've changed to the one you recommended. :P

I think your right with the GPU, for now the 570 will be more than adequate.

I also like the idea of the "1 second" over clock option of the motherboard.
 
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